Reflection of the year

My graduate year has been a big learning experience for me. Since it was my first year out of uni and first year in mental health I had no idea what to expect on my first day or during my two rotations. This year has been challenging but very rewarding. The first challenges of the year were learning the basic skills of a mental health nurse such as risk assessments and mental state exams, transitioning from student to registered nurse and the responsibilities that came with that position and buoding up my medication knowledge. I found during this year that everyday on the ward provided a new learning expeirence. I am still developing and building on the skills I have learnt this year. I really enjoyed how different my two rotations were as this also provided a big learning expeirence as it allowed me to develop skills in different areas such as; my first rotation allowing me to work on my de-esculation skills and the aspects of rehabilitation and my second rotation I was able to develop my nurse led group skills and fast pace of an acute ward. I also liked experincing the difference between caring for adults and adolescents and the challenges each age group brought. I discovered the importance of a work life balance and time mamagement skills. This year has allowed me to develop my skills as a mental health nurse, build my confidence, being able to building theraputic relationships with patients and the importance of the recovery focused model of care and being an advocate for you patients. this year has helped me to work out what area of mental health I would like to work in next year and the areas I need to comtinue to develop.